Preview: Chicago a cappella: Holidays a cappella

Whether holidays mean celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or just an excuse to hear some great choral music, the nine-member Chicago a cappella has something for everyone in this holiday-themed program that includes two world premieres by Chicago composers: Stacy Garrop’s meditation on peace based on the traditional tune “Lo Yisa Goy,” with words from the prophet Micah, in Hebrew and English, and Rollo Dilworth’s rhythmic new arrangement of the spiritual “Sistah Mary,” which includes vocal jazz and gospel elements. Other music by living composers include Gwyneth Walker’s “The Christ-Child’s Lullaby,” Carol Barnett’s “Hodie,” Elizabeth Alexander’s “When the Song of the Angels is Stilled,” Howard Helvey’s “O Lux Beatissima” and Chicago composer Wayland Rogers’ “What Sweeter Music,” written especially for Chicago a cappella and debuted at the ensemble’s very first Christmas concert in 1994. The group will also perform seasonal music from Denmark, France, Canada and Nigeria. (Dennis Polkow)